News, commentary, and insights on adventures, and adventurers, from around the globe.

Tuesday, August 04, 2015

Australia's XPD Adventure Race Underway in Queensland

The 2015 adventure racing season continues to unfold in various parts of the globe, as teams compete in the Adventure Racing World Series for a chance to go head-to-head in Brazil in November, where a new world champion will be crowned.

The latest major race in the ARWS is now set to get underway in Australia, where the 2015 edition of the XPD will begin tomorrow. 36 coed teams of four from across the globe have descended on the tropics of Queensland, where they will be running, mountain biking, and paddling their way across a course that is 648 km (402 miles) in length, and is expected to take between 5 and 10 days to complete.

The full course was revealed to the teams yesterday, and includes some great highlights from the area. The route will take the teams on a stunning coasteering course along the Magnetic Island, as well as trekking up Mount Spec and through the Paluma Range. They'll also mountain bike through rainforest around Paluma Dam, go paddling down the Burdekin River, and pass through remote towns along the way. As usual with the XPD, it should be a tough but fair course, that delivers plenty of excitement and beautiful views.

All of these elements should lead to an outstanding race, with teams that manage their navigate efficiently, work well together, and manage their sleep schedule properly will rise to the top. In a race of this length, it isn't always about being the fastest or most physically fit. It is also important to be smart, think strategically, and take advantage of team strengths along the way too. The winning team will no doubt have a combination of those qualities, plus a bit of luck on their side.